Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) continued their offensive against drug syndicates in a nationwide crackdown by dismantling an opioids cartel in an intelligence-led operation.

During the operation, a suspected drug baron, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, and five members of his cartel were arrested, with substances worth over N6.7 billion recovered from their secret warehouse in a residential estate in Lagos.

Following credible intelligence that the Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO) was about to distribute over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million mls) of codeine syrup warehoused in a residential compound at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri-Oshun area of Isolo, Lagos State, ahead of the Christmas season.

Officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA led a well coordinated operation between November 19 and 20, 2025, to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.

Two members of the DTO, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on November 19, while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.

A follow-up operation to the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, the following day led to the arrest of Nwanagu and other members of the syndicate, including Nwoye Sunday Ali, NnachoOgochukwu and OraghaliaChukwuebuka Philip.

A total of 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg worth about N3.9 billion and 53 million mls of codeine syrup valued at over N2.7 billion, bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to about N6.7 billion in street value, were recovered and moved out of the estate in 11 trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.

Meanwhile, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig-Gen Mohammed BubaMarwa (rtd), commended the commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit and Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate. He praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to the cartel preying on Nigerian youths.

“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fuelled addiction, crime and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Tinubu,” Marwa stated.

He emphasised the agency’s focus on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade.

“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over.The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are,” Marwa added.